Sylva 72 Excellent
Sylva Livability #98 ranked city in North Carolina#6,470 ranked city in the USARanks better than 77% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Sylva

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Sylva?

Sylva, North Carolina is a small city with a population of 2,804 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (73% White). Given that fact, Sylva could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Sylva residents is 31. In Sylva, only 36% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Sylva is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 25 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Sylva is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Sylva and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Sylva to North Carolina and the national average.

Using data and statistics Sylva has received a livability score of 71/100. This score is ranked in the 78th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Sylva has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). On a less positive note, Sylva does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Sylva excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Sylva real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Sylva. Median real estate prices in Sylva come in at $297,506, which is 2.8% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sylva, the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 31.7% higher than the North Carolina average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sylva

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Sylva?

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Compare Sylva, NC Livability

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      Sylva transportation information

      Statistic Sylva North Carolina National
      Average one way commute25min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.8%81.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool15.4%9.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%1.8%2.8%
      Working from home5.6%4.8%4.6%
      Source: The Sylva, NC data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.